Question 1

How do I delete hidden files with del?

Accepted Answer

Use the {dot: true} option in the configuration to match files starting with a dot, as shown in the README example with .editorconfig and package.json. This allows del to handle hidden files and directories effectively.

Question 2

Del vs rimraf: which is better for async file deletion?

Accepted Answer

Del offers a modern Promise API and glob support, making it superior for async workflows and pattern-based deletions, while rimraf is callback-based and simpler but lacks these features. Choose del for safety and flexibility in modern Node.js projects.

Question 3

Can del delete directories recursively?

Accepted Answer

Yes, del can delete directories recursively using glob patterns like 'temp/**' or by specifying directory paths directly, as seen in the usage examples with 'temp' and 'public'. It handles nested structures efficiently.

Question 4

How to prevent accidental deletion of important folders with del?

Accepted Answer

By default, del protects against deleting the current working directory and above; only use the {force: true} option when necessary. Always utilize dry run mode to preview deletions, as demonstrated in the options.

Question 5

Does del work on Windows with standard file paths?

Accepted Answer

Del works on Windows, but glob patterns must use forward-slashes; for Windows paths with backward-slashes, avoid glob-like characters or use path.posix.join() as advised in the README to ensure compatibility.

Question 6

How to track progress when deleting files with del?

Accepted Answer

Use the onProgress option in deleteAsync, which provides a callback with ProgressData including totalCount and deletedCount, as detailed in the README. This allows real-time monitoring of deletion operations.

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